Vile sexual predator who raped woman after dragging her into Gravesend hotel room is jailed

A rapist has been jailed for more than 10 years after he offered to give a woman a lift home and then raped her in a Gravesend hotel.

Seyi Odeyemi approached the victim in Camden, London, as she was trying to book a taxi at around 11pm on 3 September 2023. He offered to drive her to her house for half the price and the woman agreed. She got into his car and, instead of taking the victim home, Odeyemi went to a hotel near Northfleet.The woman appeared semi-conscious and was unable to stand, however, Odeyemi carried and dragged her to a room. Once there he raped the victim.

On the following morning the distressed woman awoke confused next to a man she did not recognise and later reported the incident to the police having disclosed her ordeal to a friend. Investigators identified Odeyemi as the offender and he was arrested on 7 September.

It was established he was the subject of a sexual risk order at the time of the incident and had breached its conditions. This included failing to seek the consent of anyone he engaged with in any sexual activity and failing to make them aware of the existence of the order.

Odeyemi, from Willesborough, Ashford, was later charged with rape and breaching the sexual risk order. He pleaded not guilty and was convicted of both counts on 14 August 2024, following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.

On Thursday 4 December, the 23-year-old received an extended sentence with a total of 10 years and six months’ imprisonment. On his release he is required to complete an additional five years on licence. Odeyemi will also be subject to a sexual harm prevention order for 20 years and will have to sign the sex offenders’ register indefinitely.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable James Lake, said:

‘This criminal was subject to a court order that restricted his actions after it had been identified he was a risk to women. He failed to comply with the conditions and instead saw an opportunity to take advantage of a vulnerable woman.
‘Odeyemi is a sexual predator who put his victim through an appalling ordeal. He undoubtedly belongs in jail. I would like to commend the victim who has shown immense courage by approaching the police to report the rape and then assisting us throughout the trial, to ensure this vile individual was brought to justice.’